DeAndre “Dre” Travon McDowell

DeAndre “Dre” Travon McDowell, 17, of Lorain, departed this earthly life unexpectedly Thursday, May 16, 2013. He was born January 15, 1996 in Lorain, where he lived most of his life, having lived in Columbus for two years.

He was student at Lorain High School’s Digital Academy and was a member of House of Praise International Church of Lorain. He loved all facets of music and was very knowledgeable about sound systems. He also enjoyed playing the drums, watching movies, fixing computers and other electronic devices.

He was a very special young man who loved life and was very loving and affectionate.

DeAndre will be sadly missed by his mother, Lakeesha Gamble of Lorain and father Jeremy McDowell of Columbus; sister, Brya McDowell of Louisville, Kentucky; brothers, Jemere McDowell of Oberlin and Justin Pardon, Jr. of Lorain; grandmothers, Debra Simpson (Gerald) of Lorain and Catherine Swidecki of Elyria; grandfather, Gilbert Gamble, Jr. of Columbus; aunts, Belinda Swidecki and Shantay Shannon of Elyria, Kisha Brown of Lorain; uncle, Gilbert Gamble of Lorain; a host of great aunts and uncles, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Gilbert and Julian Gamble, Sr.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 23, 2013 from 10 A.M. until time of funeral service at 12 Noon at House of Praise International Church, 4321 Elyria Ave., Lorain. Pastor Mark Hebebrand of House of Praise and Elder Ray H. Robinson, Jr. of Living Word Church will co-officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.